I decided to squeeze in under the wire for the 12" Fatboy upgrade incentive, but like others I'm uncertain as to whether to get the pivot or gimbal version of the arm. For upgrade pricing purposes I'll have to trade in my 12" 3DR (will I miss it?).

I've read HW prefers the gimbal, feeling it has a bit more body, and drive in the low end, without sacrificing too much in the upper end. Others like the gimbal, from what I can tell because it has the classic agility, openness, and extension of the best of VPI pivot arms without sacrificing too much in the low end. Seems like a real Hobson's Choice. My current complement of carts for this arm would be Benz SL, likely adding a Gullwing or LP-S at some point, a SS Zephyr Mk.II, and the VAS HW Special. Might this suggest a direction toward one Fatboy over the other? My system is full range, and has a natural, musical nature. It's neither hyper-detailed nor slow and soft. It'd be great to hear from others who've listened to the 'boy. Table is the Avenger.

Sigh. I'm confused. I can see why HW likes the gimbal, but even VPI's "official" position seems to be that the unipivot with the included second pivot provide (if I quote it correctly) "the highest level of performance".

Unfortunately even with a trade in on one, I cannot afford two of these things.

When I upgraded my friend’s stainless steel JMW 12.7 to the FatBoy tonearm . I ask Harry’s opinion and I told him my friend is currently using a Lyra Etna . Harry recommended the Gimbal type because , his personal listening test revealed the Lyra cartridges sounds / perform better w/ the Gimbal type FatBoy. So far we’re very happy w/ the FatBoy .

930

Yes, I've heard similar from HW. In my case, I think the Benz carts I use tend to be a bit more "full" sounding than typical MC carts, which might suggest the unipivot would be better. But I also have the VAS HW Special, which Harry has told me he thinks works better with the gimbal.